I've been wondering recently what it would mean if Hanzell, which planted the first pinot noir vines in California in 1953, received 95+ points from the major trade press regularly. Hanzell previously reviewed: 2005 Chardonnay 1995 Pinot Noir. I didn't expect to like this 2004 Chardonnay from Hanzell Vineyards as much as I did. MORE >>

So buckle up and get ready to hear his thoughts on what’s wrong with Riesling from Austria and Australia, screwcaps and their problems, the Loire, California cab then and now, indigenous yeasts, roto-fermenters, small oak barrels, wines over 14% alcohol and why he uses scores! California cabs from the 70s. German Riesling. MORE >>

America California overtakes France to move into second place in the UK wine market, thanks to high volume supermarket brands, particularly rosé (aka white zin?). The only way to get the glass is with the 1995 Dom Perignon Oenotheque ( find this wine ) for $3,150, or $2,750 more than the bottle itself. SIPPED: American wine in the UK! MORE >>

The California flight in this tasting surprised me, in that I found myself enjoying the wines more than I enjoyed their counterparts from Bordeaux. 1995 Stags Leap Merlot, Napa Valley - Opulent nose of plums and spices. And what of the white wines? was not so impressed, though, overall. None of them really hit me where it counts. MORE >>

According to the professional wine critics, 2004 was a very good vintage for California cabernets, merlots, and blends. Parker's review for the 100 point 1995 Ch. Monte Bello is my favorite winery/vineyard. It's one of those rare vineyards where the soil, climate, cultivation, history, and lore of the place produces a unique wine. MORE >>